Autoesque

Shelby GT500 convertible

noreply@blogger.com (Autoesque) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:44:00 +0000

The new 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 convertible can boast 650 bhp (484 kW / 659 PS) and 813 Nm (600 lb/ft) of torque, thanks to its upgraded 5.8 litre supercharged engine.

According to Ford, that huge output exceeds any other production V8, making the GT500 one of the most powerful open-top cars available.

Indeed, even exotica such as the Ferrari 458 Spider, Bentley Continental GTC and Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster can’t claim as much horsepower and, with an ability to reach over 200 mph (321 km/h), the Shelby should certainly have the potential to embarrass them in a straight line.

However, whether it would be the same situation around a circuit - even with the optional Performance Package fitted to the GT500, which includes electronically adjustable Bilstein dampers - is another question altogether.

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New Cruze station wagon

noreply@blogger.com (Autoesque) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:30:00 +0000

The Chevrolet / Holden Cruze range is set to expand with the arrival of a station wagon version.

Due to be unveiled at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, the new body style also previews some updates that’ll be applied to the existing saloon and hatchback models too. These include a restyled front fascia, revised headlights and some interior trim changes.

On the technical side, the engine line-up is going to be bolstered by the addition of new 1.4 litre turbo petrol and 1.7 litre diesel motors, while the current 2.0 litre diesel is to get a makeover. All three will be fitted with a stop-start system as standard for enhanced economy and reduced emissions, although performance and efficiency figures have yet to be released.

At 4,675 mm (15’ 4”), the Cruze station wagon is 78 mm (3”) longer than the Cruze saloon, but marginally shorter than the closely-related Vauxhall / Opel Astra Sports Tourer.

Luggage capacity is 500 litres to the window line, and that triples to 1,500 litres if the rear seats are collapsed and the car is loaded up to its roof.

Image © GM Company.

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Diesel for American Cruze
Cruze Hatchback first view

Nissan Invitation concept

noreply@blogger.com (Autoesque) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:07:00 +0000

A highlight of Nissan’s stand at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show is likely to be the Invitation concept.

It previews a new B-segment model that’ll be launched next year to sit between the funky Juke and anodyne Micra in the marque’s European range. A replacement for the Note in other words, then.

And, like the Note, the styling works well: different enough to be interesting, but not so avant-garde that it could risk alienating potential customers.

In profile, the two most striking features of the Invitation are its glasshouse and sculptured panels. The latter carry what Nissan is calling the ‘Squash Line’, a device that flows neatly into the rear light clusters and rear screen, holding the design together.

Although the engine line-up has yet to be confirmed, Nissan is hoping that the greenest version will achieve carbon dioxide emissions of less than 100 g/km. That’s an important target as far as UK buyers are concerned, because it’d mean zero road tax and a 100% discount on the London Congestion Charge.

Related posts:
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Nissan Juke Nismo Concept
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Five-door Seat Mii

noreply@blogger.com (Autoesque) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:50:00 +0000

As expected, Seat has announced a five-door version of its Mii city car.

An on-sale date has been set for early summer 2012, which will coincide with the launch of the greener Ecomotive models.

Thanks mainly to the fitment of brake energy recovery and stop / start systems, the 59 bhp (44 kW / 60 PS) 1.0 litre, three-cylinder petrol engine manages an average fuel consumption of 68.8 mpg (4.1 l/100km) while emitting 96 g/km of CO2.

Even with the slightly more energetic 73 bhp (55 kW / 75 PS) motor, the various Ecomotive devices mean that 67.2 mpg (4.2 l/100km) and 98 g/km are achieved. So, based on those figures, there doesn’t really seem to be much point in choosing the lower-powered variant.

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2012 Miata Special Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Autoesque) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 19:57:00 +0000

The new 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition is to make its debut at the Chicago Auto Show, which opens to the public on the 10th of February.

Based on the Grand Touring model, buyers in North America will be able to choose from either Crystal White Pearl Mica or Velocity Red Mica paintwork, both of which come with the Power Retractable Hard Top finished in Black Mica.

The exterior look is finished off with 17” black gunmetal alloy wheels, while the interior gets heated black leather seats, piano black trim and alloy pedals.

Available with manual or automatic six-speed transmissions, the specification includes the Premium Package that comprises Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, xenon headlights, keyless entry and an anti-theft alarm. Also fitted as standard is the Suspension Package, which features Bilstein dampers, sports suspension and - for manual gearbox cars - a limited-slip differential.

Prices have yet to be confirmed, but the 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition will be limited to a production run of 450 units.

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Ferrari F2012 revealed

noreply@blogger.com (Autoesque) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:48:00 +0000

The most striking feature of the F2012, Ferrari’s challenger for this season’s FIA Formula 1 World Championship, is its stepped nose.

Designed to conform to revised height rules that have come into force for 2012, even the Scuderia describes it as ‘not aesthetically pleasing.’ Quite a few cars on the grid will probably include something similar but, as with the narrow rear / wide front wings that were introduced a few years ago, the challenging aesthetics will undoubtedly become accepted with time.

The rest of the car is evolved from 2011’s 150º Italia, albeit with some fairly major changes. These comprise repositioned exhaust pipes, redesigned side pods, more tapered rear bodywork and revised suspension front and rear.

Powering the car is a 2,398 cc V8 engine that’s largely unaltered, simply because the regulations haven’t allowed for any significant modifications. However, Ferrari’s engineers have been seeking ways to ensure that performance levels from the engines are maintained throughout their three-race lifecycles.

The 2012 Formula 1 season commences with the Australian Grand Prix on the 18th of March.

Related posts:
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2012 Formula 1 calendar
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Honda to enter the WTCC

noreply@blogger.com (Autoesque) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:30:00 +0000

This year’s FIA World Touring Car Championship will see another manufacturer joining the series.

Honda has confirmed that it’s developing a race car based on the brand new European-spec five-door Civic in collaboration with J.A.S. Motorsport and Mugen, which will be powered by a 1.6 litre turbo engine.

For the 2012 season, the team is planning a limited race programme that’ll include the final three rounds in Japan, China and Macau. Then, in 2013, two cars will be entered into every event.

The move to compete in the WTCC won’t affect Honda Team Dynamics’ participation in the British Touring Car Championship.

Related posts:
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2012 BTCC calendar
Honda teases new Civic

2012 Harley Softail Slim

noreply@blogger.com (Autoesque) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:48:00 +0000

For the 2012 FLS Softail Slim, Harley-Davidson has taken a ‘less is more’ approach.

With styling that’s minimal and clean, the new bike is meant to evoke a custom bobber from the 1950s. It features gloss black ‘Hollywood’ handlebars (which are characterised by their cross-brace), a low-set single seat, an absence of chrome and a thin leather strap that covers the central seam of the five-gallon Fat Bob fuel tank.

According to Harley-Davidson Senior Designer Casey Ketterhagen, “It’s time to make the engine the focal point of the motorcycle, so we put a Softail on a diet to get the proportions back in check. Scale down the rear with a narrow tyre and chopped fender and the heart of the bike, the motor, once again becomes the focus. We left a gap between the nose of the seat and tank so the rider can see the top of the motor. I like to be able to look down and see what’s moving me.”

And that engine is a rigid-mounted 1,688 cc Twin Cam 103B that produces 133 Nm (98.7 lb/ft) of torque at 3,000 rpm. Power delivery to the 16” rear wheel is through a six-speed Cruise Drive transmission.

Prices for the Softail Slim vary according to which paint colour is chosen. In Vivid Black it costs £14,695 in the UK ($15,499 in the United States), while the Black Denim or Ember Red Sunglo finishes are £14,995 ($15,884).

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Fiat 500L first view

noreply@blogger.com (Autoesque) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:23:00 +0000

Ahead of its debut at March’s Geneva Motor Show, Fiat has released the first images of the five-door, five-seat 500L.

The ‘L’ stands for Large, and the new model measures 414 cm long, 178 cm wide and 166 cm high. That makes it slightly bigger than the recently-announced third generation Fiat Panda, which has a length of 365 cm, a width of 164 cm and a height of 155 cm.

Perhaps inevitably, the extra bulk and the need to accommodate more people and their stuff means that the 500L misses out on the cutesy looks of the 500 and 500C. What effect that’ll have on its appeal remains to be seen.

Assembly will take place at Fiat’s facility in Kragujevac, Serbia, and European sales of the 500L are due to begin during the fourth quarter of 2012. There’s no word yet on whether it’ll be offered in North America.

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2012 Harley Seventy-Two

noreply@blogger.com (Autoesque) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:53:00 +0000

Harley-Davidson has revealed the 1970s-inspired XL1200V Sportster Seventy-Two.

Defined by its stripped-down look, ape handlebars, whitewall tyres and chrome details, the new bike takes its name from Whittier Boulevard in East Los Angeles, which is also known as Route 72.

Power comes from the air-cooled 1,202 cc (73.3 cubic inch) Evolution engine that delivers its 96 Nm (73 lb/ft) of torque via a five-speed transmission.

With Black Denim or Big Blue Pearl paintwork, the Seventy-Two costs £8,695 in the UK ($10,499 in the United States). However, for a really authentic retro look, buyers should go for the Hard Candy Big Red Flake colour option that takes the price up to £8,895 ($11,199).

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Ford B-Max first view

noreply@blogger.com (Autoesque) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:27:00 +0000

Ford has released the first images of the production-ready B-Max mini-MPV.

Due to make its public debut at March’s Geneva Motor Show, the new arrival should provide some tough competition for the likes of the Vauxhall / Opel Meriva, Citroën C3 Picasso and Škoda Roomster.

For added practicality the rear doors slide and Ford claims that the B-Max will offer class-leading load space with flexible seating. However, its unique feature is the absence of any B-pillars, although the actual benefit of such a gimmick is maybe difficult to pinpoint.

European sales of the B-Max will begin later this year, and it’ll be available with Ford’s innovative 1.0 litre EcoBoost petrol engine. Prices have yet to be confirmed.

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McLaren MP4-27 unveiled

noreply@blogger.com (Autoesque) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:54:00 +0000

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes has revealed the MP4-27, its contender for the 2012 FIA Formula 1 World Championship.

Although very much an evolution of last year’s car, McLaren is saying that actually very little has been carried over from the MP4-26 unchanged.

Visually, the most obvious differences are the revised side pods and narrower rear bodywork. However, one feature that hasn’t appeared is a stepped nose section like that of the Caterham CT01, the only other 2012 Formula 1 car so far unveiled.

Speaking about the forthcoming season, Team Principal Martin Whitmarsh said: “The 2012 season will be an important one for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes: having finished second in the constructors’ championship for the past two seasons, we’re determined to mount a sustained, hard challenge for both world titles.

“For 2012, we are well aware that Red Bull remains a very powerful and capable operation, and that both Ferrari and Mercedes AMG are ramping up their operational capacity. We have no room to be complacent - what you see today only scratches the surface of what we’re planning to deliver to the track both from an engineering and operational point of view throughout 2012.”

McLaren has released some technical details for the MP4-27, but unfortunately - for obvious reasons - these don’t include any power or performance stats.

McLaren MP4-27 - Technical Specifications
Engine
Type	Mercedes-Benz FO 108Z
Capacity	2.4 litres
Cylinders	8
Bank angle	90°
Number of valves	32
Maximum rpm	18,000
Piston bore maximum	98 mm
Fuel	ExxonMobil High Performance Unleaded (5.75% bio fuel)
Spark plugs	NGK racing spark plugs
Lubricants	Mobil 1
Weight	95 kg (minimum FIA regulation weight)
KERS Hybrid
Type	Mercedes-Benz
e-Motor	Engine-mounted electrical motor/generator
ESS	Integrated energy storage cells and power electronics
Power	60 kW
Transmission
Gearbox	McLaren-moulded carbon fibre composite integral rear impact structure
Gears	Seven forward and one reverse
Gear selection	McLaren seamless shift, hand-operated
Clutch	Carbon / carbon, hand-operated
Chassis
Monocoque	McLaren-moulded carbon fibre composite incorporating front and side impact structures
Front suspension	Inboard torsion bar / damper system operated by pushrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement
Rear suspension	Inboard torsion bar / damper system operated by pullrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement
Electronics	McLaren Electronic Systems, including chassis control, engine control, data acquisition, dashboard, alternator, sensors, data analysis and telemetry
Bodywork	Carbon fibre composite; separate engine cover, sidepods and floor; structural nose with integral front wing; driver-operated drag reduction system
Tyres	Pirelli P Zero
Radio	Kenwood
Race wheels	Enkei
Brake callipers	Akebono
Master cylinders	Akebono
Batteries	GS Yuasa Corporation
Steering	McLaren power-assisted
Instruments	McLaren Electronic Systems

Dart GTS 210 Tribute

noreply@blogger.com (Autoesque) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:11:00 +0000

February’s Chicago Auto Show will see the unveiling of the GTS 210 Tribute, Mopar’s take on the 2013 Dodge Dart.

Making the most of the Dart’s Alfa Romeo underpinnings, it features two modification packages to create an overtly sporty version of the new compact.

The first focuses on extracting more power from the 2.4 litre, four-cylinder Tigershark MultiAir engine. Recalibration of the engine management system, a low back-pressure exhaust and a high-flow air intake have all been employed, and the result is an increase from 184 bhp (137 kW / 186 PS) to 210 bhp (156 kW / 212 PS).

To go with the extra performance, the second package is all about appearance. For the exterior, the most obvious change is the carbon fibre bonnet that incorporates a prominent air scoop. It’s complemented by 18” ten-spoke forged alloy wheels, plus a matte black rear spoiler, front splitter, rear diffuser and side skirts.

On the inside, Ruby Red Katzkin leather has been chosen for the seats and door panels, with various Piano Black trim pieces and black suede on the dashboard top providing visual contrast.

Mopar isn’t planning to produce the GTS 210 Tribute as a standalone model, but the components used will be available either separately or as stage kits towards the end of this year.

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Castrol Edge M3 DTM

noreply@blogger.com (Autoesque) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:17:00 +0000

BMW Motorsport has revealed that one of the six cars it’ll be campaigning in the 2012 DTM will carry sponsorship from Castrol Edge and Aral Ultimate.

The result is a striking green and blue paintjob that’s certainly a departure from BMW’s traditional ‘white with M stripes’ racing livery.

Commenting on the move, BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt said: “For many years we have put our faith in high-performance Castrol lubricants, and have celebrated countless successes together on the racetrack. For that reason, everyone here at BMW Motorsport is delighted that we are able to build on this established partnership in the DTM. Castrol EDGE and Aral Ultimate are high-performance brands, which suit our DTM project perfectly.”

All of BMW’s DTM drivers for this season have now been confirmed, and the squad comprises Augusto Farfus (Brazil), Joey Hand (United States), Andy Priaulx (Great Britain), Bruno Spengler (Canada), Dirk Werner (Germany) and reigning DTM champion Martin Tomczyk (Germany).

An announcement on how they will be allocated to the three outfits that’ll be running the M3 DTM race cars (BMW Team RBM, BMW Team RMG and BMW Team Schnitzer) is expected soon.

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Five-door Škoda Citigo

noreply@blogger.com (Autoesque) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:21:00 +0000

Just a week after Volkswagen announced its five-door Up!, Škoda has done likewise and revealed a five-door version of the closely-related Citigo.

Compared to the three-door, the overall dimensions are unchanged, as is the engine line-up. That means buyers will be offered a 1.0 litre, three-cylinder petrol motor that’s available with either 59 bhp (44 kW / 60 PS) or 73 bhp (55 kW / 75 PS).

Although Citigo sales have already begun in the Czech Republic, other European markets aren’t due to get the car until mid-May.

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Honda RC213V unveiled

noreply@blogger.com (Autoesque) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:17:00 +0000

Repsol Honda’s challenger for the 2012 MotoGP season, the RC213V, has been revealed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The new bike, which has a 1,000 cc engine in line with the increased capacity limit being introduced this year, will be ridden by Dani Pedrosa and reigning champion Casey Stoner.

Stoner is being realistic about the team’s prospects, an understandable stance given that such a significant change to the technical regulations could potentially rewrite the formbook.

Speaking at the unveiling, the Australian said: “After such a strong season in 2011, we remain focused and don’t expect to be in top form immediately. I am sure Honda have done a fantastic job with the new 1,000 cc machine over the winter break and I’m really looking forward to getting back on the bike and seeing what we can do, hoping to start strong again.

“We know there will be a lot of serious competition out there, Ducati have been putting a lot of effort in as have Yamaha so it will be interesting to get out on track and see what everyone’s got. However, it’s early days and I think we’ll have to wait until the race in Qatar before we really know our competitors’ true pace and the package they have for 2012, but we’re ready for it.”

Shuhei Nakamoto, HRC Executive Vice President, added: “The RC213V is an evolution of the last version of the RC212V based on the same concept.

“The machines we have brought here to Sepang are basically the same machines we tested in Valencia back in November with only a few differences. In fact, Casey and Dani will have one machine the same as Valencia, and the other one with a slightly different chassis, based on their own requests.”

As the launch event was the first time that HRC had returned to Malaysia since Marco Simoncelli’s fatal accident in October, the team took the opportunity to visit the Sepang circuit to lay a wreath and hold a minute’s silence in honour of the Italian rider.

Related post:
2012 MotoGP calendar

2012 Punto prices revealed

noreply@blogger.com (Autoesque) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:19:00 +0000

The 2009 metamorphosis of the Fiat Grande Punto into the Punto Evo has to be one of the nastiest facelifts seen in recent years.

Out went the neat Maserati-inspired front end, replaced by an incongruous chrome bar and ugly thick black bumpers.

But now, just two years later, Fiat has wisely decided to repair the damage. For 2012, the styling has been successfully tidied up and the ‘Evo’ suffix has been dropped.

Buyers will be able to choose from Pop, Easy or Lounge trim levels, plus the special edition GBT, while the engine line-up comprises six engines (with the two-cylinder TwinAir arriving in April).

UK on the road prices for the 2012 Fiat Punto range from £9,990 to £15,600.

2012 Fiat Punto - UK OTR Prices
3-Door Petrol
1.2 8V 69 Pop	£9,990
1.4 8V 77 Easy	£11,300
1.4 8V Dualogic Easy	£11,800
1.4 8V 77 GBT	£11,800
1.4 8V 77 Lounge	£12,900
1.4 MultiAir 16V 105 Lounge	£13,900
1.4 MultiAir Turbo 135 Lounge	£15,200
3-Door Diesel
1.3 MultiJet 75 Pop	£11,900
1.3 MultiJet 85 Easy	£13,400
1.3 MultiJet 85 GBT	£13,900
1.3 MultiJet 85 Lounge	£15,000
5-Door Petrol
1.2 8V 69 Pop	£10,500
1.4 8V 77 Easy	£11,900
1.4 8V Dualogic Easy	£12,400
1.4 8V 77 GBT	£12,400
1.4 8V 77 Lounge	£13,500
1.4 MultiAir 16V 105 Lounge	£14,500
5-Door Diesel
1.3 MultiJet 75 Pop	£12,500
1.3 MultiJet 85 Easy	£14,000
1.3 MultiJet 85 GBT	£14,500
1.3 MultiJet 85 Lounge	£15,600

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Bike of the Year 2011-2012

noreply@blogger.com (Autoesque) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:44:00 +0000

The results of the International Bike of the Year 2011-2012 award followed a similar pattern to last year’s verdict: a BMW won, beating a Ducati into second place.

This time around it was the turn of the K 1600 GT to take top spot, with the jurors (representing 25 motorcycle publications from around the globe) being particularly impressed by its six-cylinder engine, handling and technology.

International Bike of the Year 2011-2012: The BMW K 1600 GT.

Furthermore, the GTL version - which is essentially the same bike apart from some extra equipment - earned enough votes on its own to secure fourth spot, while the out-going title holder, the BMW S 1000 RR, was joint fifth.

International Bike of the Year 2011-2012
Position	Motorcycle	Points
1	BMW K 1600 GT	41
2	Ducati Diavel	32
3	Aprilia Tuono V4 R APRC	22
4	BMW K 1600 GTL	18
5=	BMW S 1000 RR	16
5=	Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R	16

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MG returns to the BTCC

noreply@blogger.com (Autoesque) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:27:00 +0000

Nine years have passed since a works MG team last entered the British Touring Car Championship, but now the marque has announced its return to the series.

Of course, MG has been through an awful lot since 2003, going into administration before eventually ending up being owned by the Chinese SAIC Group.

Production has even restarted at the Longbridge plant, albeit from kits imported from China. But the model involved - the MG6 - lacks two important things: firstly, a diesel engine; secondly, customer awareness that MG still exists.

While the new BTCC team isn’t going to solve the former, it’s an excellent way of addressing the latter.

And, on paper at least, it looks to be a strong effort. The outfit, to be known as MG KX Momentum Racing, will be run by Triple Eight Race Engineering, a company that has won numerous BTCC drivers’ and teams’ titles in the past.

Equally impressive is the driver line-up for the pair of MG6 GT race cars. Leading the team is two-time champion Jason Plato, who has spent the last three seasons at Chevrolet, and he’s joined by ex-Ford Focus driver Andy Neate.

The opening round of the 2012 British Touring Car Championship is at Brands Hatch on the 1st of April.

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MG Design Centre opens

Toyota TS030 Hybrid

noreply@blogger.com (Autoesque) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 23:34:00 +0000

Following the emergence of a couple of leaked images last week, Toyota Racing has officially unveiled its all-new TS030 Hybrid race car.

It couples a 3.4 litre, normally-aspirated, V8 petrol engine with THS-R (Toyota Hybrid System - Racing) that powers an electric motor. The benefit of such a configuration is that energy can be recovered under braking and then released to help acceleration out of corners, thereby reducing both lap times and fuel consumption. As the regulations dictate that only two wheels can be driven by the hybrid components, part of the test programme will evaluate whether the motor should be front- or rear-mounted.

Run by Toyota Motorsport from its base in Cologne, the team will be competing in the LMP1 class of the inaugural FIA World Endurance Championship.

A debut appearance is scheduled for the second round of the series, which is the Six Hours of Spa-Francorchamps in May. Just one car will be entered in that event, with a confirmed driver line-up of Alex Wurz, Nicolas Lapierre and Kazuki Nakajima.

The following month sees the main race of the championship, the Le Mans 24 Hours. Toyota Racing will be competing with two TS030 Hybrids in the French classic, although the drivers for the second car have yet to be announced.

Given that it’s a new set-up and a new car, Yoshiaki Kinoshita, Toyota Racing Team President, is being suitably pragmatic about what can be achieved this season. He commented: “Of course we would love to win Le Mans; that is the dream for all competitors in this race. But we are realistic and we know we need to develop and to learn in order to compete with some very strong competition.

“Our target this year is to show the performance level of our car and particularly the THS-R powertrain. Hybrid is a core technology of Toyota so it is important to demonstrate this in a motorsport arena and we want to prove it can bring a performance advantage, both in terms of lap time and fuel efficiency.

“Everyone involved in designing, developing and preparing the car - both at TMG and at Motor Sport Division in Japan - has worked incredibly hard to reach this point and we are all very excited to be back on the race track again.”

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XT1200Z Worldcrosser

noreply@blogger.com (Autoesque) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:20:00 +0000

Having appeared at various bike shows in concept form, the Yamaha XT1200Z Worldcrosser has now been confirmed for production.

Based on the existing Super Ténéré, the Worldcrosser version gets extra protection in the form of a drive-shaft shield, skid plate and rear brake protector, all of which are made from black anodised aluminium.

To help offset the weight of the new components, the fork protectors, frame guards and side panels are carbon fibre, while options for the graphics comprise either a black speedblock motif with yellow-gold accents or a red speedblock with red accents.

The UK retail price (which excludes road fund licence or first registration fee) for the Worldcrosser is £12,999. That’s a hefty £1,000 more than the regular Super Ténéré.

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New 2013 Victory Judge

noreply@blogger.com (Autoesque) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:43:00 +0000

The new 2013 Judge from Victory Motorcycles is part cruiser and part muscle bike, and potentially it could be an interesting alternative to models such as the Harley-Davidson V-Rod.

With blacked-out components, five-spoke cast wheels, drag handlebars and a redesigned headlight nacelle, the overall look works pretty well. Colour choice comprises Gloss Black, Sunset Red and Suede Nuclear Sunset (or orange, in other words).

Power comes from Victory’s 106 cubic inch (1,731 cc) Freedom V-twin that develops a healthy 153 Nm (113 lb/ft of torque). It has a lot of bulk to lug about though, as the Judge’s dry weight is 300 kg (660 lbs).

Prices in the United States start at $13,999, and sales are due to begin in April.

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Five-door Volkswagen Up!

noreply@blogger.com (Autoesque) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:03:00 +0000

Volkswagen has revealed the five-door version of its Up! city car.

In Germany, the order books open on the 6th of March, ahead of the first deliveries in May. The rest of Europe has to wait a little longer though, as sales in other markets aren’t due to start until early in the summer.

While the engine line-up, equipment levels and overall dimensions are all identical to the three-door range, the premium for the extra doors is €475. That means the five-door will be available from €10,325.

UK prices have yet to be confirmed but, as the entry-level three-door Start Up! is £7,995, it’d be reasonable to expect the five-door range to cost from around £8,400.

With Volkswagen anticipating that the more practical version will account for over half of Up! sales, it shouldn’t be too long before five-door versions of the closely-related Škoda Citigo and Seat Mii appear.

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More Mini special editions

noreply@blogger.com (Autoesque) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:29:00 +0000

The new Bayswater and Baker Street continue the trend for London-themed Mini special editions. On sale from the beginning of March, both are based on the Mini Hatch and will available in 100 markets worldwide.

Unique Kite Blue paintwork identifies the Bayswater, which is complemented by black high-gloss 17” Sandblast wheels, blue and grey stripes and the obligatory badges.

It comes in Cooper, Cooper D, Cooper S and Cooper SD guises, and the interior features the Chili Pack and Chrome Line as standard. Other touches include anthracite Punch Leather upholstery, Piano Black trim and special floor mats.

Mini Bayswater - UK OTR Prices
Model	Price
Cooper Bayswater	£18,565
Cooper Bayswater Auto	£19,780
Cooper D Bayswater	£19,845
Cooper D Bayswater Auto	£21,045
Cooper S Bayswater	£21,420
Cooper S Bayswater Auto	£22,580
Cooper SD Bayswater	£22,115
Cooper SD Bayswater Auto	£23,375

Alternatively, the Baker Street is available in One, One D, Cooper and Cooper D versions. Its bodywork is finished in Rooftop Grey metallic paint with black bonnet stripes and - for the Cooper and Cooper D at least - a black roof.

High-gloss 16” ‘6-Star’ alloys, badges and black mirror caps complete the exterior look, while the interior gets the Pepper Pack and a distinctive diamond-pattern design for the cloth and leather seats.

Mini Baker Street - UK OTR Prices
Model	Price
One Baker Street	£16,365
One Baker Street Auto	£17,580
One D Baker Street	£17,445
Cooper Baker Street	£17,465
Cooper Baker Street Auto	£18,680
Cooper D Baker Street	£18,745
Cooper D Baker Street Auto	£19,945

Related posts:
Mini Soho limited editions
Mini Coupé undisguised

2012 Toyota hybrid LMP1

noreply@blogger.com (Autoesque) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:28:00 +0000

24 January 2012 update
For more details of Toyota's Le Mans challenger, please see this post:
Toyota TS030 Hybrid

The day after Peugeot announced its withdrawal from the 2012 FIA World Endurance Championship, the first (grainy) images of Toyota’s hybrid LMP1 racer have emerged.

A timing coincidence maybe, or did the Japanese manufacturer sense a good PR opportunity to remind us that it’ll soon be returning to top-flight sportscar competition?

As revealed last October, the Cologne-based Toyota Motorsport team will be contesting selected rounds of the inaugural World Endurance Championship this season, including an entry to the Le Mans 24 Hours race for the first time since 1999.

Virtually nothing is known about the car - it doesn’t even have an official name yet - except that a petrol-hybrid powertrain will feature.

With Peugeot out of the way, Toyota’s task might have been made a little easier. However, it’ll still have to beat Audi, which has dominated Le Mans with ten wins over the past twelve years.

Related posts:
Hybrid Toyota for Le Mans
Peugeot 908 HDi FAP
Audi unveils R18 race car